Hilco in line to acquire Cath Kidston

Hilco is understood to be nearing a takeover of Cath Kidston, according to Sky News, after the brand was put up for sale by its owner, Baring Private Equity Asia (BPEA).

Sky News has learnt that Hilco, which has owned an array of prominent high street names over the last two decades, “has been holding detailed talks” about buying the brand from BPEA.

Sky said it was unclear on Tuesday night whether other potential buyers were lined up, although one source told the publication it was “effectively Hilco’s to lose”. It added the proposed transaction was “said to be a solvent one”.

Cath Kidston collapsed into administration in April 2020 with the loss of nearly 1,000 jobs during the pandemic.

BPEA first acquired Cath Kidston in 2016 but later agreed on a pre-pack insolvency deal which led to the closure of its entire UK high street estate. 

Hilco could not be reached for comment.